Children&#39;s panel and connector building set

ABSTRACT

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a modular toy building kit is provided. The kit includes a plurality of building panels, each having a circumference with edges. A plurality of tabs are defined on each panel with one tab defined on each edge. The kit further includes a plurality of connectors, each connector having a length and having slots defined along the length. Each slot is sized to slidably receive and temporarily retain a tab of a building panel. Another embodiment of the present provides a self-contained toy panel and connector building set. The set includes a base having a rectangular support surface with four corners. The set includes at least four connectors, each having a height and four longitudinal sides with a longitudinal slot in each longitudinal side. Each of the connectors is positionable adjacent one of the support surface corners. The set further includes at least four panels, each panel having tabs, wherein each tab is sized to be received and selectively retained in one of the connector slots. The panels are engagable with the connectors to form walls to a storage compartment mounted on and enclosing the support surface on the base. The storage compartment is sized to store additional panels and connectors.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/453,252 filed on Mar. 7, 2003, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/442,610 filed on Jan. 24, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to children's building kits, and morespecifically to a panel and connector set for children to temporarilyconstruct structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention provides a construction set for children.Many children use construction sets to create temporary structures. Suchkits are helpful to challenge a child's imagination, and additionallyassist children in learning spatial, physical and interactionalrelationships.

[0004] One style of prior construction kit, such as Legos® kits orblocks, uses hand or smaller sized pieces. These pieces can be used tocreate miniaturized assemblies which children can easily view and carry;however, such kits do not provide a child a larger sized assembly tomanipulate, nor do they provide interactive play.

[0005] An alternate style of prior kits involves bulky or oversizedpieces that are used to create larger assemblies. Although largerstructures can be created, in kits with larger pieces hard and/or heavymaterials with potentially sharp edges can be unsafe for falling on orotherwise causing a danger to the child. Separately, manipulating largerheavy and/or awkward pieces can sometimes be difficult for smallerchildren.

[0006] A different style of panel kits are not intended for assembly anddis-assembly by children, but are used to create structures which areintended to be semi-permanent for storage or space separation. Typicallythese kits require fasteners and tools for assembly, include larger andheavier components and may require instructions or training forassembly. These systems are not suitable for small children to playwith.

[0007] There is a need for a safe yet flexible children's constructionkit. The present invention addresses this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, amodular toy building kit is provided. The kit includes a plurality ofbuilding panels, each having a circumference with edges. A plurality oftabs are defined on each panel with one tab defined along each edge. Thekit further includes a plurality of connectors, each connector having alength and having slots defined along the length. Each slot is sized toslidably receive and temporarily retain a tab of a building panel.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present provides a self-contained toypanel and connector building set. The set includes a base having arectangular support surface with four corners. The set includes at leastfour connectors, each having a height and four longitudinal sides with alongitudinal slot in each longitudinal side. Each of the connectors ispositionable adjacent one of the support surface corners. The setfurther includes at least four panels, each panel having tabs, whereineach tab is sized to be received and selectively retained in one of theconnector slots. The panels are engagable with the connectors to formwalls to a storage compartment mounted on and enclosing the supportsurface on the base. The storage compartment is sized to storeadditional panels and connectors.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides aconnector and panel set with a plurality of panels, each panel havingedges with lengths, and a plurality of connectors, each connector havingsides forming a standard height. Each edge of each panel is engagable toa side of any connector and the height of the connectors differs fromthe length and the width of each panel edge. Preferably, a stack ofconnectors forms a height with joints between the connectors and a stackof panels forms a height with joints between the panels, wherein thejoints of the stack of connectors are not aligned with the joints of thestack of panels.

[0011] In a still further preferred embodiment, the present inventionprovides a toy set, having a panel and connector kit; and one or moreactivity boards. The activity board is selectively mountable andremovable to the panel and connector kit. Preferably the activity boardcomprises a hanging member configured to selectively mount the activityboard to a panel of the panel and connector kit. The activity boardprovides a mounting area for a range of games, learning materials,and/or writing or drawing.

[0012] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved panel andconnector system for children.

[0013] It is a further object of certain preferred embodiments of thepresent invention to provide a toy panel and connector system which iseasy and safe for small children to assemble and disassemble.

[0014] Further objects, features and advantages of the present inventionshall become apparent from the detailed drawings and descriptionsprovided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0016]FIG. 2 is an alternate perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.1 with one side panel and the lid removed.

[0017]FIG. 3A is a top view of pieces of one embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0018]FIG. 3B is a perspective view of pieces of one embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0019]FIG. 3C is one embodiment of the present invention in oneconfiguration.

[0020]FIG. 3D is one embodiment of the present invention in an alternateconfiguration.

[0021]FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a panel used in one embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0022]FIG. 4B is a top view of the panel of FIG. 4A.

[0023]FIG. 4C is an end view of the panel of FIG. 4A.

[0024]FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a different panel used in oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 5B is a top view of the panel of FIG. 5A.

[0026]FIG. 5C is an end view of the panel of FIG. 5A.

[0027]FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a still further panel used in oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 6B is a top view of the panel of FIG. 6A.

[0029]FIG. 6C is an end view of the panel of FIG. 6A.

[0030]FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a connector used in oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 7B is a side view of the connector of FIG. 7A.

[0032]FIG. 7C is an end view of the connector of FIG. 7A.

[0033]FIG. 8A is a top view of an activity board used in one embodimentof the present invention.

[0034]FIG. 8B is a side view of the activity board of FIG. 8A.

[0035]FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a panel with an activity boardused in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036]FIG. 9B is a top view of the panel and activity board of FIG. 9A.

[0037]FIG. 9C is a cut-away side view of the panel and activity board ofFIG. 9A.

[0038]FIG. 9D is a partial, cut-away side view of the panel and activityboard of FIG. 9C.

[0039]FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a base used in one embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0040]FIG. 10B is a top view of the base of FIG. 10A.

[0041]FIG. 10C is a side view of the base of FIG. 10A.

[0042]FIG. 10D is a perspective bottom view of a base used in oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0043]FIG. 10E is a bottom view of the base of FIG. 10D.

[0044]FIG. 10F is a side view of the base of FIG. 10A.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principlesof the invention, reference will now be made to the embodimentsillustrated and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, such alterations, modifications, andfurther applications of the principles of the invention beingcontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates.

[0046] According to some preferred embodiments, the present inventionprovides an activity set for children, for example small children suchas three year olds. In certain embodiments, the activity set is a kitthat includes panels and connectors plus additional pieces. Children mayassembly the panels and connectors in various configurations withouttools, fasteners or training to create temporary structures designed bytheir imagination. In preferred embodiments the elements of the kit arelightweight and sized to be easily manipulated by children yet sturdyfor long-term play. Preferably the kit is made from materials suitablefor indoor and outdoor use. The kit elements are preferably modular tobe substantially interchangeable and are designed to facilitate ease ofassembly and dis-assembly.

[0047] Illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is one preferred embodiment of thepresent invention included system or kit 10. Kit 10 generally includeslong panels 30, short panels 40 and connectors 50. As a preferredfeature, kit 10 can be configured to form a self-containing storagecompartment. In the embodiment illustrated, four connectors 50 formcorners 26 arranged on a generally rectangular base 14. Two panels 30form the sides 22 and two panels 40 form the ends 24 and interconnectwith corners 26 to form an interior storage compartment. A lid 20,similar to base 14, may be placed across the top of the storagecompartment. Wheels 16 are optionally mounted to base 14 to facilitatethe ability to move kit 10.

[0048] The interior of the storage compartment is arranged to receivethe pieces of kit 10. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates horizontalstacking of long panels 30, short panels 40 and connectors 50 on base 14within the sides 22, ends 24 and corners 26. Alternately, the panels maybe arranged in a vertical stack.

[0049] The elements of kit 10 are preferably interchangeable andconnectable to form various configurations, such as walls, doors and/orwindows. Non-limiting examples of arrangements are illustrated in FIGS.3A-D. Preferably the edge portions of the long panels 30, short panels40, triangular panels 70, base 14 and lid 20 are removably and slidablyinterlockable with connectors 50 to form structures. The panels andconnectors can be arranged vertically, horizontally and/or stacked asdesired. Non-limiting examples of potential configurations include amaze, a playhouse, a cave, a climbing structure, a loft, an airplane, atrain, a chair and a table.

[0050] Views of a preferred embodiment of a long panel 30 areillustrated in FIGS. 4A-C. Panel 30 is preferably formed in a generallyrectangular shape forming a length (l) and a width (w) with curvedcorners, although other geometric shapes with generally straight edgescan be used, examples include triangles, trapezoids, pentagons,hexagons, and octagons. As illustrated, panel 30 includes four edges 32.Extending from each edge is a web or thinner portion 34. At the outerportion of each web 34 is a connector or tab, such as a T-shaped tab 36.Each web and tab extends generally along the length of an edge,terminating adjacent the beginning of the arcuate corner curve. As apreferred feature, each tab 36 includes a changed cross-section which isa beveled or tapered portion 37 in both width and thickness adjacent oneor preferably both ends. As a separate preferred feature, panel 30defines mounting openings 39. As an optional feature, panels may havecircular openings or handles 38 assisting for grasping the panels, orportions formed or removed to form windows. Such windows will typicallybe open, with a frame formed by the surrounding panel.

[0051] Views of a preferred embodiment of a short panel 40 areillustrated in FIGS. 5A-C. Panel 40 is preferably formed in therectangular shape of a square forming a length (l) and a width (w),although other geometric shapes can be used. Panel 40 includes fouredges 42. Extending from each edge is a web or thinner portion 44. Atthe outer portion of each web 44 is a connector or tab, such as aT-shaped tab 46. As a preferred feature, each tab 46 includes a changedcross-section which is a beveled or tapered portion 47 adjacent one orboth ends. As a separate preferred feature, panel 40 defines mountingopenings 49.

[0052] Views of a preferred embodiment of a triangular panel 70 areillustrated in FIGS. 6A-C. Panel 70 includes three edges 72, two ofwhich form a base and height of equal length (w). Extending from eachedge is a web or thinner portion 74. At the outer portion of each web 74is a connector or tab, such as a T-shaped tab 76. As a preferredfeature, each tab 76 includes a changed cross-section which is a beveledor tapered portion 77 adjacent one or both ends. As a separate preferredfeature, panel 70 defines mounting openings or handles 79.

[0053] Views of a preferred embodiment of a connector 50 are illustratedin FIGS. 7A-C. Connector 50 has two ends and four longitudinal sidesdefining a height (h). Each longitudinal side defines a longitudinalslot or groove 56 between corner edges 52. Preferably slot 56 isconfigured to slidingly receive a tab 36, 46 or 76 of any kit panel 30,40 or 70. In a preferred feature, corner edges 52 include slight bevelsor tapers 57 at one or both ends to facilitate the introduction of tabsinto slots 56. In a further preferred feature, the corner edges 52include feet 53 defined at each end of connector 50. Feet 53 assist instabilizing and stacking each connector 50.

[0054] Illustrated in FIGS. 8A & B is one preferred embodiment of anactivity board 60 usable in certain embodiments of kit 10. Activityboard 60 is selectively mountable to panels of kit 10. As illustrated,board 60 is formed in a generally rectangular shape sized to fitapproximately within the edges 32 of a long panel 30. This is forillustration only and alternate sizes and geometric shapes can be usedas desired. Various children's activities such as posters, chalkboards,marker boards, and/or educational activities or games can be mounted onactivity board 60. Preferably extending from activity board 60 is anoffset member or hanger 62. Hanger 62 is configured to selectively mountactivity board 60 to a chosen panel.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, hanger 62 includes a handle portion64. Handle portion 64 is illustrated as a spherical portion or ball, butalternate shapes such as hooks, cross-members, springs or clamps can beused. In one embodiment, hanger 62 is a short-cylindrical memberconnected at a proximal end to board 60 and connected at a distal end tohandle portion 64. Handle portion 64 can be connected to hanger 62 by ascrew-on connection, welding, rivets, integrally molded or similarwell-known connection methods. Preferably, hanger 62, including handleportion 64, is sized to fit through openings in panels 30, 40 or 70. Ina preferred embodiment, activity board 60 includes two hangers 62 withhandle portions spaced at a sufficient distance to engage two opening inthe same or separate panels.

[0056] Illustrated in FIGS. 9A-D are views of an activity board 60mounted to a panel, for example panel 30. When placing board 60 inposition, hanger 62 with handle 64 is guided through an opening 39 in aselected panel 30. Board 60 is then released slightly downward to resthanger 62 on the lower portion (as oriented) of opening 39 to preventdownward movement of board 60 relative to panel 30 (FIG. 9D). Further,preferably a portion of handle 64 extends slightly beyond the inner edgeof opening 39 when hanger 62 is resting on the lower portion of theopening. The portion of handle 64 which overlaps panel 30 preventshanger 62 from unintentionally withdrawing from opening 39. Preferablywith two such hanger and handle connections to panel 30, activity board60 is prevented from unintended separation.

[0057] As a preferred safety feature, jostling or accidental movement ofactivity board 60 relative to panel 30 typically moves hanger 62 aroundthe periphery of the inner edge of opening 39. Such movement around theperiphery maintains the overlap of a portion of handle 64 over thepanel, minimizing the risk of accidental separation. Activity board 60is removed by lifting the board and guiding handles 64 through thecenter of openings 39. It will be understood that the hangers andactivity board can be mounted in both horizontal and verticalorientations to long or short panels of kit 10 with appropriate sizingand arrangements.

[0058] Views of a preferred embodiment of base 14 are shown in FIGS.10A-F. In one embodiment, base 14 is slightly thicker than a standardpanel, and the lower side (FIG. 10D) optionally includes recesses 17 forcastors or wheels 16. During shipment or storage, wheels 16 can bestored in recesses 17 to conserve space, and are removed and mounted tobase 14 when desired.

[0059] Base 14 is preferably slightly larger than a standard panel ofkit 10 to provide a sturdy base when kit 10 is in a self-containingstorage arrangement. Extending from the edges of base 14 around asupport surface are side supports 18 and end supports 19. Side supports18 and end supports 19 include tabs similar to the tabs on panels 30 or40 which are slidably connectable to connectors 50. Side supports 18 andend supports 19 further include wider webs or support portions 34′ and44′ extending between the edges of base 14 and the tabs. Preferably thewider webs 34′ and 44′ are dimensioned so that the profile of tabs 34 or44 on panels 30 or 40 is receivable between the base edges and thesupport tabs. When kit 10 is in a stored configuration, sides 22 andends 24 rest upon side supports 18 and 19, preferably on webs 34′ and44′, to enclose the support surface.

[0060] In one embodiment, a slight protrusion or lobe 21 extends fromeach corner of the base and supports at least one foot 53 of each cornerconnector 26 to prevent the corner connector from sliding below thelevel of the support surface. Preferably the storage compartment volumeover the support surface is sized to contain and store panels andconnectors. Lid 20 is preferably similar to base 14. In a preferredfeature (not shown), base 14 and lid 20 include partial impressions toprovide a similar look to openings 38 in long panels 30.

[0061] In preferred features, the components of kit 10 are lightweightmaterials without sharp edges or sharp corners. For example, the kit canbe made with hollow, blow-molded, polyethylene panels and injectionmolded ABS connectors. Alternately, the panels can be made from atransparent material, such as polycarbonate, which may be clear ortinted.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the panels and connectors are based onthe largest practical size which a small child, such as a three yearold, can manipulate and assemble with two hands. As a non-limitingexample, in one embodiment short panels 40 have a length and width ofeighteen (18) inches, large panels have a length of thirty-six (36)inches and a width of eighteen (18) inches and connectors 50 have heightof thirteen and a half (13 ½) inches, and triangular panels 70 have abase and height of eighteen (18) inches. In this embodiment, the panelsare approximately one and half (1 ½) inches thick. Base 14 has a lengthof forty-one (41) inches and a width of twenty-three (23) inches.Typically in this sizing, the child will only have a limited verticalreach, limiting the overall height of the assembled structure. Accordingto this example, the typical maximum assembly height by a three-year oldwould be fifty-four inches.

[0063] In one aspect of kit 10, preferably the connector height differsfrom the length and width measurements of the panels. This ensures thatone connector will be shorter (or longer) than any panel while a stackof connectors will span any joints between panel stacks within a typicalchild's reach without the connector joints and panel joints beingaligned or having equal heights. For example, if the panel dimensionsare in eighteen inch multiples and the connectors are thirteen and halfinches in height, two short panels can be stacked, forming a height ofthirty-six inches and a joint at eighteen inches. A stack of threeconnectors will have a height of forty and a half inches with joints atthirteen and half inches and twenty-seven inches. A long panel wouldhave the same geometry without one joint. Examples of this concept areillustrated in FIGS. 3A-C.

[0064] The system of the present invention is usable by a small childwithout using tools or fasteners or the need for training. Typically forshipment or storage, kit 10 is placed in a self-containing arrangementwith or without the wheels attached. When used by a child, the child canchoose components of the system to assemble a structure as desired.Access to components can be facilitated by removing one side (FIG. 2).When assembling components, the edge portions or tabs of a panel areslidably engaged with a slot on a connector (FIGS. 3A-B). The beveled ortapered end portions on the panel tabs and the connector slot edgesfacilitate the introduction of the tab into the slot and ease thesliding engagement. This creates a temporary interlocking engagementwhere the panel and connector cannot be disengaged except by sliding.Preferably the interlocking engagement includes sufficient “wiggle” roomin the connection that the sliding engagement and dis-engagement iseasily done without binding and allows the angle of the panel to theconnector to be slightly adjusted as desired.

[0065] For continued assembly, multiple connectors and combinations ofshort and long panels may be combined in vertical and horizontalarrangements to create temporary structures, examples are shown in FIGS.3C-D. When play activity with the kit is complete, the pieces can beefficiently dis-assembled and returned to a storage configuration.

[0066] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detailin the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be consideredas illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understoodthat only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and thatall changes and modifications that come within the spirit of theinvention are desired to be protected.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular toy building kit, comprising: a. aplurality of building panels, each having a circumference with edges; b.a plurality of tabs, one tab defined on each edge of each buildingpanel; c. a plurality of connectors, each connector having a length andhaving slots defined along said length; and, d. wherein each said slotis sized to slidably receive and temporarily retain a tab of a buildingpanel.
 2. The kit of claim 1 wherein each said panel is rectangular. 3.The kit of claim 2 wherein each said panel is hollow and formed fromplastic.
 4. The kit of claim 2 wherein each said connector has a heightand defines four lengthwise sides and wherein one slot is defined alongthe length of each side.
 5. The kit of claim 2 wherein each said tab isa T-style tab.
 6. The kit of claim 2 wherein each said tab includes areduced cross-section adjacent at least one end of said tab.
 7. The kitof claim 5 wherein each slot has at least one open end and wherein saidopen end has a beveled opening.
 8. The kit of claim 5 wherein each saidconnector has a height of approximately thirteen and half inches andwherein each said rectangular panel has a length and a width and whereinsaid length and said width are multiples of approximately eighteeninches.
 9. A self-contained toy panel and connector building set,comprising: a. a base having a rectangular support surface with fourcorners; b. at least four connectors, each having a height and fourlongitudinal sides and defining a longitudinal slot in each longitudinalside; c. each of said connectors positionable adjacent one of saidsupport surface corners; d. at least four panels with edges, each panelhaving a tab adjacent each edge, wherein each tab is sized to bereceived and selectively retained in one of said connector slots; e.wherein said panels are engagable with said connectors to form walls toa storage compartment mounted on and enclosing said support surface onsaid base; f. wherein said storage compartment is sized to storeadditional panels and connectors.
 10. The set of claim 9 furthercomprising a lid to close the top of said storage compartment.
 11. Theset of claim 10 further comprising wheels attachable to said base. 12.The set of claim 11 wherein said base is engagable with said connectors.13. A connector and panel set, comprising: a. a plurality of panels;each panel having edges; b. a plurality of connectors, each connectorhaving sides forming a standard height; c. wherein each edge of eachpanel is engagable to a side of any connector; d. wherein the height ofsaid connectors differs from the length and the width of each saidpanel.
 14. The set of claim 13 wherein a stack of said connectors formsa height with joints between the connectors and wherein a stack ofpanels forms a height with joints between the panels and wherein thejoints of said stack of connectors are not equal to the heights of thejoints of the stack of said panels.
 15. The set of claim 14 wherein saidstack of connectors comprises up to three connectors.
 16. The set ofclaim 14 wherein said connectors have a standard height of approximatelythirteen and half inches and wherein said panels include rectangularpanels having lengths and widths in multiples of eighteen inches. 17.The set of claim 13 wherein each edge of each panel has a tab formedtherewith; and wherein said connector sides define slots for receivingand selectively retaining said tabs.
 18. The set of claim 17 whereineach said tab is a T-style tab.
 19. The set of claim 14 furthercomprising at least one activity board removably attachable to at leastone of said panels.
 20. The set of claim 19 wherein said activity boardincludes a hanger for removably attaching said activity board to said atleast one panel.
 21. The set of claim 20 wherein said at least one panelincludes an opening sized for receiving said hanger and wherein saidactivity board is removably attachable to said panel by placing aportion of said hanger through said opening.
 22. The set of claim 21wherein said hanger further comprises a handle portion and wherein saidhandle portion partially overlaps said at least one panel beyond theinner edge of said opening when said activity board is attached to saidpanel, and wherein said overlapping handle portion inhibits separationof said activity board from said panel.
 23. A toy set, comprising: a. apanel and connector kit; and b. an activity board; c. wherein saidactivity board is selectively mountable and removable to said panel andconnector kit.
 24. The set of claim 23 wherein said activity boardfurther comprises a hanging member configured to selectively mount saidactivity board to a panel of said panel and connector kit.
 25. The setof claim 24 wherein said hanging member comprises an offset member and ahandle.
 26. The set of claim 25 wherein said panel defines an openingfor receiving said handle and wherein said opening and said handlecooperate to mount and retain said activity board to said panel.
 27. Theset of claim 26 wherein said opening is circular.
 28. The set of claim27 wherein said handle is substantially spherical.